Accra, Oct. 3, GNA-The Millennium Challenge Authority on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Energy to help uplift the image and conditions of farmers and make them catalyst for change.

The MOU allows MiDA to enlist the cooperation of the Ministry of Energy in the prosecution of agricultural transformation agenda and release the spirit of inter-ministerial and inter-agency cooperation, particularly at the operational level of the community services project. The MOU is the first step towards using the structures of the Energy Ministry to identify, review, coordinate and monitor the implementation of the designated schemes among others. It therefore opens the door into the nifty gritty of the needed assistance to the rural agricultural areas which would include electricity to un-served and under-served agricultural areas for domestic uses, water, roads, sanitation and schools. Mr Martin Eson-Benjamin, Chief Executive Officer of MiDA said the objective of the Community Services Activity was a key component of the Rural Development project of the MCA Ghana programme to support agricultural transformation in agri-business development to strengthen rural institutions that provide services complementary to agriculture. He explained that the immense capacity of the programme is to improve on the current agricultural practices and support farming communities with modernised social infrastructure intended to encourage beneficiary communities to engage in meaningful productive work. He said the funds would be used to support both the on-grid and off-grid rural electricity investments adding, "MiDA will go in for investments, which are consistent with policies and strategic plans of your ministry, Electricity Corporation of Ghana and the Volta River Authorities and other parties as may be agreed between MiDA and Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Mr Eson-Benjamin said the project support activities would be implemented in 31 districts across the country with the supply and installation of 12 transformers and post harvest infrastructure, irrigation pumps and cottage industries. Mr Felix Owusu Adjapong, Energy Minister said the MOU will clear the way for MiDA to commence the implementation of the rural electrification activity of the community services project component. He noted that the MCA was set up to advance development for the country with emphasis on agriculture and stressed that energy was an important aspect to achieve the success of the programme. He commended the Unites States of America for the fund and pledged the ministry's support in ensuring that the project comes into fruition at the stipulated time. Representatives from ECG and VRA were present to sign the agreement.